Page 19 of Evergreen Christmas
“The perfect one by our fence?” Roxie asked, bouncing in place with excitement. “Dad and Uncle Tucker said we’ll win the Christmas Crown again for Mama with that tree. It’ll be our tenth year in a row of trad-dish-pun!”
Mama.Jordyn winced. Oh, boy.
“Tradition,” Nate corrected. “Roxie, would you mind giving Ms. Jordyn and me a chance to talk?”
“Yes, sir.” Roxie waved at Jordyn. “Bye, Ms. Jordyn. It was nice to meet you.”
“Same here,” Jordyn said.
After Roxie skipped off to the toy section of the store, Nate looked at her with a pleased expression. “You’re ready to negotiate a price?”
“Um, well . . .” Jordyn shrugged. “That’s not exactly what I wanted to discuss, though the tree does have something to do with it.”
Tucker, who still stood by the firewood rack with a rapt expression, burst out laughing. “I know that tone.” He dragged his finger across his neck. “No deal, man. Your negotiation’s dead. She ain’t selling you that tree.”
“Tucker.” Nate frowned at his brother. “Would you mind giving us some privacy? Help Scott ring up the customers or go set up a new display or something.”
Tucker made a face but complied, saying over his shoulder as he ambled away, “I don’t do displays. I’ll help the hands round up the horses and get ’em settled for the night.”
Nate sighed. “You got one of those?”
“One of what?” Jordyn asked.
“A younger sibling who aggravates you no end?”
Jordyn shook her head. “Nope. It’s just me and Star.” She glanced around the store again and dragged her trembling hands over her jeans. “Since, according to Roxie, this tree competition seems to be a tradition for your family, would you like to ask Roxie’s mom—er, your wife—to join our conversation?”
Nate’s expression changed instantly. The relaxed warmth in his eyes faded and sad shadows took its place as he said softly, “I lost my wife, Macy, six years ago.”
“Oh.” Jordyn’s chest tightened. “I’m so sorry. I—”
“You didn’t know.”
“No,” she whispered. “When I met Roxie, I just assumed. . .” Her face heated. “M-may I ask how old Roxie is?”
His mouth flattened into a thin line. “Six.”
Oh.Oh, no.Jordyn looked down at the toes of her worn boots, a lump forming in her throat as she compared the numbers. Six years ago, he’d lost his wife and Roxie had lost a mother before ever having the chance to meet her.
Jordyn’s own pain at losing her mother, though dulled by time, was still present and would probably never completely dissipate. “I . . . um, lost my mother when I was young, too. I hate that Roxie is having to go through that kind of grief.”
“She passed away?” Nate asked.
“Uh, no.” Jordyn looked down at the toe of her boots again. “She wasn’t really skilled at being a good mom and my dad was angry at the fact that I was around to begin with. That combination didn’t make for a good upbringing.” She glanced up, avoiding the intensity of his gaze. “I grew up in foster care, then hit the rodeo circuit when I aged out. Being here”—she pointed at the mountain ranges in the distance, visible through the large windows lining the front of the store—“is like having a home for the first time. I have my own house, my own property and, hopefully, will be able to build a new business soon.”
He was quiet for a moment, then asked, “What kind of business are you looking to build?”
“I’m going to breed horses and offer training for young, upcoming barrel racers.” She smiled. “When I was first starting out, a retired barrel racer and horseman helped me learn the sport and clinch my first win. I’ve never forgotten how good that felt—to have someone supporting me and cheering me on. I want to pay that forward to other riders.”
Nate smiled. “That’s admirable. And you won’t be at a loss for customers here. You picked a prime location. We board horses at the ranch, and due to the scenic view, open space, and rural location, we’ve rarely had trouble finding owners eager to entrust us with their horses’ care. A few words to the right owners and it’d be easy for you to drum up some clientele. I’d be happy to help you out on that front when the times comes.”
Jordyn’s eyes met his, a rush of excitement flooding her veins. “Would you? Oh, that’d be fantastic! I could really use—” Her throat closed. She dodged his gaze again and swallowed hard. “Well . . . that would be nice but I’m not sure you’ll be as interested in helping me out once I say what I came to tell you.”
The smile on Nate’s face faded. “And what’s that?”
Better to get it over with fast. Like ripping off a Band-Aid.
“I’ve decided to participate in Noel’s Christmas competition,” she stated firmly. “And unfortunately for you, that means I need to hang on to my tree.”
